Mike Fricker
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Kaikoura Peninsula Carpark Seal Watching
27Apr24.
Much the same as my previous post but very busy this time. Possibly as school hols?
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Wainui Falls Track
2May24.
Sunny but a cool breeze.
A nice walk to what was today an impressive, noisy waterfall. Perhaps due to the rain last night.
Didn’t swim anywhere so no opinion on that but we enjoyed the walk and the waterfall. DoC says 40 mins each way but that is if you dawdle along.
There are a couple of benches along the walk. It was peaceful just taking in the surroundings.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Waipu ▷
Camp Waipu Cove
20May24.
2 adults on powered site for motorhome. $40. Very nice lady in reception.
Key fob entry and exit.
A big park. All grass, as far as I could see, pitches but they held up well considering the rainfall.
Free WiFi. 10gb for 5 devices over 7 days.
Good toilets and showers. Showers on 5 min timers with 100 seconds delay before more hot water. No delay on cold!
Good kitchen. Didn’t try the laundry or other facilities.
Play equipment for youngsters.
Very close to beach, the ocean was evident all night where we were.
Clearly a very good family holiday park.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Donegal House Irish Hotel
27Apr24.
2 adults in motorhome.
There are 30 powered sites with fresh water . Sites are partitioned.
In addition a number of unpowered sites, possibly free?
Powered sites $20. $4 for showers.
Restaurant has good selection of beers. It was very busy early in the evening but not so much later (when we were leaving!)
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Napier ▷
BMX Pump Track Carpark, Marine Parade
8thMay24.
2 adults in motorhome.
Good location and good facilities as described by others.
As well as being close to the road there is also a railway line the other side of the road. Lots of rail line crossings so bells and train noises sometimes.
A shortish walk to the Sea Life Centre. That’s worth a visit, a cafe and decent toilets!
Dump station and fresh water too, all for nothing.
Would have been a 10 if further away from the road.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Grove Scenic Reserve
2May24.
Our last visit 2018 as per our review then.
To say we really like this place is that we went twice today, morning and late afternoon. We will also go tomorrow and the day after as we are in the area.
It is a magical place. Not a very long walk but the rocks and trees etc make it special.
Check out Labyrinth Rocks further along the road too.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
BP Takaka
2May24.
Stopped for diesel in our hired motorhome. Nearly a disaster.
The forecourt canopy has a 3m clearance only. Our height 3.3m. Beware.
Also the diesel pump is to the left of but not under the canopy.
The very kind lady member of staff stopped us before we did any damage and was very helpful in getting us fuelled up and away. She deserves a 10.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Mangawhai ▷
Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway
20May24.
Wasn’t sure what mark to give as it is currently closed due to damage during Cyclone Gabrielle.
According to Google Maps you can start from the car park at the end of Wintle Road.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kerikeri ▷
Kerikeri River Track
23May24.
A good walk from the Kerikeri Basin at the end of the Landing Road.
Not sure the time and distances actually match what is on this app or the info boards at the start of the walk but not too far out.
2 waterfalls. Both good in their own right but Rainbow Falls the higher, noisier and generated more mist.
Kiwi country but we didn’t see any.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Te Waikoropupu Springs
Well, that hasn’t happened to me before, 2 consecutive reviews 5 years apart.
Still a great place to visit. Disappointed with the dancing sands as we didn’t see it but perhaps they had an off day.
What I like about places like this is there is no entry fee unlike so many places in my country.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Henley Lake Freedom Camping
8thMay24.
A stop for lunch. The park is good with walks around the lake and the wider park.
Facilities are good and plenty of space. We didn’t stay overnight but would have been happy to if it fitted our itinerary.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Snout Track
29Apr24.
I reviewed this in Oct18. This time we got to the Snout starting from the marina so quite a long walk.
Steep in places and a stretch of road with no shelter.
A good walk, glad we did it.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
16May24.
2 adults on powered site for 1 night. Motorhome $64.
A very good site spoiled for me by the showers. Curtain and mat but push button for 10 minutes. Trouble was it was difficult to see what was the button and whether it worked. Water seems to be getting warmer but didn’t. Tried another cubicle. Difficult to see if button worked. Water did get hot eventually but then the flow dropped off.
That apart a very good site only 500m from the caves
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Paihia ▷
Haruru Falls Track
22May24.
We seniors enjoyed the walk especially the mangrove element.
I agree with other reviews that the distance and timings given are not so accurate. Also that there are few places where you can see any distance and get a wider perspective.
That said it is a very good walk. Easy in terms of not being able to get lost and the track is good subject to the caveat of very wet weather.
I totally disagree with the previous review that said the falls are tiny. Eh? Not such a good flow as our last visit some years ago but that might be failing memory. Still a good enough sight for us to want to stay and eat our lunch there.
Go.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Hawera ▷
Hawera Holiday Park (formally King Edward Park Motor Camp)
12May24.
2 adults in motorhome $33 powered site.
Very good value for money at that price.
Grass pitches. Not a huge park. Right on SH3 but not overly noisy.
My only gripe is the gents shower cubicles had a door, clothes hooks and the shower only, no curtain, partition, seating or mat.
Oh, the gents lock handle goes clockwise…
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Huka Falls Walkway
10May24.
No reviews since mine in 2018?
This time we walked from the Taupo Holiday Resort to the falls. A straightforward walk along the river. The water is so clear.
The falls are very impressive. Toilets there too.
We then walked along to the Hub Cafe, another 1km or so opposite the turn for Craters of the Moon. That was worthwhile too.
A longish walk in all but we were glad we did it.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
New World Blenheim
I bet very few of these get reviews!
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Orewa Beach Holiday Park
17May24.
2 adults in motorhome, powered site for 3 nights total $150.
We like Orewa a lot. Quite busy that weekend as a motorhome club had a meet. Still plenty of space.
Facilities good. Maybe a little tired in places but they get lots of use.
Between the road and the sea so you can be aware of some noise at times although we didn’t find it intrusive.
Straight onto a path to town on the beach side when light. A good walk in. Alternatively walk on the beach. It was hard sand so was easy walking.
The dump station at the north block is awkward unless your outlets are on the left hand side of your van. You also block the park road whilst dumping. I suggest if travelling north you use the public dump station at Hatfields Beach Reserve, on the left hand side of the road. Plenty of space and you can go either side of the station.
Plenty of eating and drinking places in town. We tried Coast and it was good.
Th lagoon walk is an easy well surfaced walk.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Port Motueka Beach Reserve
30Apr24.
2 adults in 7.2m motorhome.
Arrived mid afternoon and got a space. One side is suitable for smaller vans side by side. The other is suitable for longer vans end to end.
Toilets updated since our last visit in 2018, much better now.
Fellow campers nice and quiet. Be aware though that there are industrial units fairly close that seem to be working 24/7 so you may hear them at night.
A bit of a walk into town but that suited us.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Hanmer Field Base and Picnic Area
26Apr24.
2 adults in motorhome.
Very busy. We were fortunate to get in with our 7.2m van.
In spite of being busy it was very quiet. Good loos too.
A reasonable walk to town for the purposes of the hot pools and/or after pool imbibing and/or eating.
Not aware of the other freedom site as mentioned in a previous review.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Greytown ▷
Greytown Camp Ground
7th May 24.
2 adults in motorhome. $44 for 1 night.
Make sure you book in advance and get the security code for the barrier.
Follow the direction for the reception, the main area is lit. It is a little difficult to see the pitch numbers in the dark.
Good facilities if dated.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
I can’t add anything to my previous post some 5/6 years ago.
3rd time there and just as enjoyable.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Ohau Point Seal Colony
28Apr24.
Since the earthquake spoiled the situation by destroying the previous walk up to the seal pups pool, the roadside facility has been hugely improved.
Good parking area with a 300m walkway looking over where the pups play in the sheltered water or sunbathe on the rocks.
Not to be missed
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Trounson Kauri Park Campground
26May24.
2 adults on powered pitch. $46 one night.
Can’t add much to previous reviews. Powered sites a bit tight for bigger motorhomes, not much manoeuvring room.
I suppose that compared to commercial sites its a bit expensive but you do get hot water and showers and a kitchen.
A few little niggles but nothing serious.
Kauri stand worth the walk. Such a shame about die back.
A good place to go
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Orewa ▷
Hatfields Beach Reserve, Waiwera
On the left hand side of the road when heading north.
Spacious with access both sides of the drains.
A lot easier than using the dump station at the Orewa Beach Holiday Park
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ New Plymouth ▷
Puke Ariki Museum and Library
15May24.
Expecting a rainy morning we decided to try it out. Very glad we did. It is one of, if not the, best museums we have visited. Lots of interesting and varied stuff there. We spent a few hours there and could have stayed longer.
Some of the interactive stuff is very entertaining, especially the musically orientated ones.
And it is totally free!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Takaka Labyrinth Rocks
2May24.
Sunny but a cool breeze.
This time there were maps available, quite a few. The maps actually detail some of the more interesting rock formations not the toys!
It also made it easier not to spend too much time trying to find your way out.
Good fun when you misread the map and get lost though.
The rock formations are quite extraordinary. The map and guide give details of how it all came about.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Spit Track Circuit
3May24.
The last couple of hundred metres are gravel and a little narrow should you have a large unit.
Good signage at the car park. 2 long drops including a larger one disabled friendly.
We did the Spit Track along the sheltered side of the spit for about 4kms. The walking was easy. Hard sand and loads of shells.
Then cross the spit in the dunes, what a landscape, to the Tasman Sea side.
The dunes are great. We loved that part. There are paths through the longish grassy vegetation but we had no problem following them. We were surprised how wide the spit is. It showed us that it is a very long spit.
Walking back the other side was less easy as there was plenty of soft sand. Fortunately we didn’t pick up from the car park notice board that there may be quicksand! Didn’t find any though.
The walk back seemed a lot longer that the walk out due to walking conditions. We picked up the Spit Track to cross back over.
It was sunny and a bit hot. Little shade.
Take water and use sun screen.
Oh, there were little bitey things in the car park but we didn’t encounter them on the walk.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Aratiatia Rapids Viewpoint
11May24.
As previous reviews, the fill is a bit slow but all the same is very impressive.
We were fortunate to arrive, unplanned, at about 11.50 so had time to get in position.
Glad we went
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse Walk
24May24.
A special place. Nice walk. Good facilities. Spend some time and enjoy the sights.
Note - some of the walks are currently closed. Check with DoC beforehand.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Pelorus ▷
Tawa Walk
30Apr24.
I think the app has been updated since the last review.
A good set of walks there. We combined a couple to suit our schedule.
Good walks and a good looking campsite.
Very good toilets by the parking area too. We didn’t try the cafe.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Pelorus ▷
Circle Walk
5May24.
2 adults. Great little walk. We were followed quite a way by a fantail. Delightful little bird.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ New Plymouth ▷
Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park
13-15May24.
2 adults in motorhome. Powered pitch $64 per night.
I think the ocean view pitches were $70.
Very close to the centre of town. Easy access to the Coastal Path.
The facilities were very good. We used the block farthest away from the entrance. Good kitchen and lounge. There were unisex combined toilet and shower rooms, too big to be termed cubicles.
The facilities block next nearest was separate for women and men with separate toilet and shower cubicles.
Many of the pitches were double spaced so great for caravans and towing vehicles.
All in all this park exceeded our expectations
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
2 adults in motorhome $150.96.
9and10 May24
I agree with the positive comments below that it is a great place for kids. Adults too. The entertainment facilities are brilliant.
Why not a 10? This was the most expensive park we have stayed in. My gripe is they don’t have curtains and plastic duck mats in the showers. A lot of cheaper parks do.
In some cubicles the coat pegs are on the opposite side to the shower head and there is only a narrow divider. The water flow is high so splashes are inevitable. The floor gets wet so getting dressed and drying feet is not easy.
Its a great park for families but if you don’t want all the bells and whistles there are cheaper options.
We did enjoy the beer whilst in the pool!
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Hokianga ▷
Rawene Holiday Park
25May24.
2 adults on powered site in motorhome. $42.
Level pitch. 2 combined toilet/shower rooms each for male and female.
Steep hills to get to the centre. We only went to the fish and chip shop and back. Too dark and the threat of rain!
Didn’t use the kitchen or laundry.
A little out of the way but close to the ferry and an ok spot.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kerikeri ▷
Wagon Wheel Holiday Park
22May24.
2 adults in motorhome on powered site. $45.
Level sites close to toilets and showers. As in previous reviews there are 2 toilets and 2 showers in new-ish units. They are under cover too. A pity one of the showers was out of order.
Close to the highway so some road noise but not so bad.
A good park and friendly host.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Ohakune ▷
Raetihi Holiday Park & Cabins
11May24.
2 adults. $40 powered site.
Office closed so we set up for the night. Eventually found someone to pay the following morning.
The lounge, kitchen, toilets and showers were very good. Plenty of space in the showers.
There doesn’t appear to be a website or opportunity for advance bookings. This caught out one guy who arrived on a bicycle after the office was closed hoping for a cabin. Couldn’t make contact so set up his tent anyway. It was a very cold night so he bedded down in the lounge, good move.
No WiFi either.
But for lack of website and no WiFi I would have given them a 10.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Pukenui Holiday Park
23May24.
2 adults on powered site with motorhome. $40 +$5 for WiFi.
Very good facilities and friendly hosts.
My only disappointment was the laundry room. 2 washers and 1 dryer. I think there really must be equal numbers. When we were there the dryer was out of action and the sign taped to it was not visible when loading the washing machine. Consequently we had a load of wet washing and the weather was showery so not a viable option to dry it. A motorhome filled with wet clothing is not so good.
That apart very good.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Balmoral Recreation Reserve Camping Ground
10 based on a short stay for lunch only.
Very large area with plenty of space and good facilities.
Plenty of campers there but loads more space available.
A very small hedgehog close to us too. Bonus!
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Muriwai Beach Campground
27May24.
2 adults on powered motorhome pitch. $50 one night.
All grass pitches, some level, some not so.
Fairly close to the beach so breaking waves can be heard all night in rough weather. No road noise.
Great facilities. Separate blocks for toilets and showers. All new-ish and in good order.
It would be a 10 except for WiFi limited to kitchen area and no hand drying facility in the toilet blocks.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Hokitika Gorge Walk
23April24.
Plenty of parking for large motorhomes.
The original bridge and part of that walk are now closed. There is a new, better (longer) walk to the original waterside area with a new longer bridge.
Hats off to DoC.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
16 April 24.
Still the same as my last review in 2018. Steep but worth it.
I hope the young girl complaining about the steep streets before the walk proper got to the top!
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Blue Pools Track
20April24.
The bridges are CLOSED. They have reached the end of their lifespan. There are signs to say so but no indication of when they will be replaced.
However, the walk to the first bridge is still available and is worth doing.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Point Elizabeth Walkway
24April24.
A good walk well worth doing imho.
Didn’t notice any workings at all but natural scenery very good.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Grey River
23April24.
2 adults in motorhome.
As described in the more information part.
Since we last stayed there are wooden sleepers showing where overnight camping is permissible.
Convenient and not too far a walk to Monteiths Brewery for a flight of their beers and ciders.
Obviously road noise during the night but hey, it’s free!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
24April24.
Always a good spot to visit. This time we had brilliant sunshine! Last time pouring rain.
As in the more information, high tide best. We missed it by a short while but still impressive.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka
17 April 24, 3 nights, $165.
2 adults on powered motorhome site.
Excellent park. All the facilities are very good.
Plenty of toilets and showers with plastic duck boards in showers. Why don’t all campsites have them?
Laundry $6 each for washing and drying. Good sized machines and long cycles. Good value.
Good location near the buzzy town centre with plenty of eating and drinking opportunities. We love Wanaka.
A 9 not a 10 as the WiFi gets overwhelmed when most are on site in the evening.
Our 3rd visit and would come again if we get the opportunity for another trip.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Oxford ▷
Cust Domain
25April24.
2 adults in motorhome.
Very busy when we got there but just managed to find space.
Toilets basic but perfectly up to the job.
There for 1 night only.
Quiet overnight.
A good stopover
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
Hooker Valley Track
8 April 24.
We had a warm dry walk although somewhat breezy at times. The swing bridges were moving a bit.
Well worth the effort getting there. Not a hard walk and easily done within the time suggested.
The end of the track has a lake and the end of a glacier. A seating area and access to the lake with icebergs!
Very windy there in exposed areas.
Very busy but that was ok. Would definitely do the walk again if we revisit NZ.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Harihari ▷
Lake Ianthe Matahi Campsite
22April24.
Stopped for a break and cuppa. Nice site by the lake. Limited space.
Good flush toilets.
No sandflies evident. Time of year.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Roys Peak Track
18April24.
1 adult, 70.
A straightforward track. Some quite steep sections and some rocky and rough. Didn’t stop some quite young people getting to the top.
However the views were worth it
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
White Horse Hill Campground
7 April 24.
$30 2 adults.
Booked online but you can pay on site with cash.
The trouble is it was very busy. It might have been had we arrived later that we would not have got a spot although we had booked in advance!
Flush toilets but not a lot of them. No night lighting. Large communal area with drinking water available.
We went to walk the Hooker Valey walk. Separate review.
Cold overnight and in the morning but it warmed up during the time we were there. Glad we went.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street ▷
Rainforest Retreat
21April24.
2 adults. Powered site $48. Nice place as others have said. I would only say the number of toilets and showers are low for the number of pitches.
Watch out for the large rocks by the pitches. One jumped out and ripped off the end of the waste water outlet! Ouch
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Manapouri ▷
Possum Lodge Motel and Holiday Park
12 & 13 April.
2 adults. $100. Quirky. Previous review as said hippy. Maybe, but definitely quirky.
Only 2 toilets for the site, one of which also has a shower. Separately there are 2 showers each for women and men.
The owners put a lot of work into keeping it clean and provide hand towels etc.
Thinking about this I have revised my rating from 8 to 9.
Only about 10 mins from the jetty for the Doubtful Sound cruise via a path through the woods. All in all a very good site
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Leith Valley Holiday Park
9th and 10th April 24.
$96. 2 adults.
A small holiday park but reasonable facilities. No stools or duckboards in showers but not metered and good temperature and pressure.
Laundry - $4 for wash, $2 for 20 mins drier.
Good lounger and dining area with plenty of leaflets etc.
A bit of a trek into town but there are buses and taxis. Reasonably quiet as whilst close to a road it is not a main road and no lorries. Would stay again if it fit our itinerary.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Beach Camp
24April24.
2 adults in motorhome.
Grassy area so hope it’s not boggy. It wasn’t when we were there.
Went for an evening shower but the cubicle I used had very poor flow and the water was lukewarm only long enough to wet me. Then cold! I checked the other 2 cubicles after. They had good flow but were also cold.
They were ok next morning.
Other facilities good.
Would have been a 10 but for the cold shower.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill ▷
Invercargill Holiday Park and Motels
11April 24.
2 adults. Motorhome. Good facilities. Very quiet being a little out of town. $46 for powered site. It looks like some development going on but no impact on our stay. Shame it was very wet that day.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Lake Matheson Walk
21April.
Adults.
Great walk. Best when not busy as so peaceful.
Cafe very good but a shame they play music in the outside area when there is plenty of birdsong.
The separate gallery has closed but has stock inside the cafe building.
Loads of parking especially for vans and motorhomes.
Loved it.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation
22April24.
2 adults in motorhome $46.
Ok campsite but toilets and showers a bit dated. Convenient location although a longish walk to town.
Our 3rd or 4th visit so not so bad.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Okarito ▷
Okarito Wetland Walk
22April24.
A good walk and well made paths. Carry on to the the Trig Point for a total 90 minute return walk. There are 2 other trails at 3.5 hours each.
Hats off to the locals. The public toilet was the cleanest we have seen so far with soap, water and a Dyson Airblade!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Pleasant Flat Campsite
20 April 24.
Stopped for lunch. Good facilities. Recommend for a stop but can’t rate the campsite as we didn’t stay.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Paringa
20April24.
2 adults in large motorhome, 1 night.
Quiet. Flush loos. Free. Great.
Restricted to 15 vans but beware, some parked taking up 2 spots so space might be restricted.
Loos ok but not lit so take a torch.
Cafe closed when we got there mid afternoon but was open early ish the next morning. We didn’t use it as we were driving out when we noticed it was open.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Ngawi ▷
Pinnacles Track
01Oct18.
Damp start to the day but not cold. Walked to the lookout then down to the pinnacles base. Good stuff. Hard work walking on gravel but worth it. Don’t think we will go again tho. A bit out of the way. Glad we did it tho.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Te Rerekawau (Kaiate Falls) Walk
19Sept18.
The falls and tracks good but the car park is small and the turn in at the bottom of the road is tight. We had a 7.7m motorhome. It looked like some of the young ones there had camped overnight.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Gisborne ▷
Kaiti Beach
24Sept18.
One night only. Great location right by the beach. One public loo, singing, as another reviewer said. The same music as in all the other loos of this type we have encountered so far. “All the world needs now is love, sweet love”. The only downside was a little noise from the timber processing place and port a little way along the beach.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Putaruru ▷
Te Waihou Walkway
18 September 2018.
We went from the most distant car park. A nice walk, the river getting bluer as we went. Very quiet in places. Lots of birds. Good facilities. The spring was not what was expected tho. Just an area by the side of the river. No real sign of water streaming out.
Well worth while walk on a warm day.
Shame others don’t respect the place. Cans thrown into the bush and something best not described in the loo at the spring!
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Marokopa Falls
20Sept18.
As good as previously described!
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
20Sept18.
Quite a bit of change since my review of 4 years ago. More expensive, of course, at nzd55 for 2 of us on powered site.
Facilities just as good. Only downside for us was the large screen TV overlooking the pool.
Staff were very friendly and helpful.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Huka Falls Walkway
21Sept18.
After a walk around town we decided to walk to the falls from Spa Park. It was a very warm day for spring and we bailed out before getting there. The walk was good and the hot springs were well attended by mostly younger people.
We went to the falls the following day. As good as last time. A sight to see.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Memorial Park
18Sept18.
Went there before, in 2014. Designated spaces now. Not sure if the one we used was meant to be for 1 or 2 campers. The spaces seem small and we noticed another camper the same as ours effectively took 2 spaces. Loos were ok and it was free!
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Mercury Bay Council Area Office Carpark
17Sept18.
We had intended to drive round to Cook’s Beach free site but it was getting late and I was tired! Stayed here instead. A hidden gem in terms of cost (free), access and quietness. Snapper Jack’s just down the road supplied 2 of us with a fish and chip supper for $10 total! A bargain. Public toilets not far away at the marina
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Mt Maunganui ▷
Mount Maunganui Summit Walk
18Sept18.
Enjoyed the walk in spite of a little rain. The views from the top were a bit limited due to the trees etc. Hopefully they will not be allowed to grow too much more.
A good gelato shop when we got back down.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Ohope ▷
Port Ohope Boat Ramp
23Sept18.
A great site. Quiet, free, by the sea, free, 2 toilets within a very short walking distance.
Room enough for a lot of campers/motorhomes.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Trounson Kauri Park Loop Track
12 September 2018.
Basically as previously described. We walked in light and dark. Glow-worms in places. Saw one or possibly two kiwis, just about! Great place to go. Shame about the kauri die-back but good protections in place, please use them.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Ngawi ▷
Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite
DoC Park.
$12 for the 2 of us on 30Sept18. Not many there, only us, 1 car slept in and a few tents. Quiet. Flush toilets with ok paper, grotty basin with no soap or drying gear. Quite happy with it and, of course, right next to the walks to the pinnacles!
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
The Redwoods
23Sept18.
Brill place with free walks. You could feel lost within the woods but the different trails are well marked.
The Centre is good but tourist orientated. We would have liked to do the treetop walk but we decided the $25 each was too much.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Rainbow Mountain Summit Track (Maungakaramea)
22Sept18.
Stopped by and walked to the crater. That was good. Not enough time for the longer walks.
The car park is more of a lay by for storage of gravel and was very uneven and bumpy when we were there hence only 8.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Trounson Kauri Park Campground
12 September 2018.
Powered site! Great. Good facilities, all things considered. No water in the kitchen in the morning. Due to someone filling their camper water tank? Don’t expect much and be delighted
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Orewa Beach Holiday Park
Our first campsite this trip, 10 September 2018.
As good as last time in 2014. We love the location and Orewa. Hope to have another trip before too long and will always come back here.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Ruakuri Walk
20Sept18.
The walk from the caves entrance is not easy to follow. We did find the path to the lookout from the car park. That was good.
We asked a very kind gent and he suggested we drive west and turn left at the roundabout. A little way along that road you will find two car parks opposite each other. Turn right immediately after them and you will find the Ruakuri Caves entrance. Brilliant!
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground
22Sept18.
Much the same as my 2014 review.
The parking area seems larger and better. The loos and showers look exactly the same.
The spring is just as scary. Hopefully we will be able to go there again.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Roselands Waitomo Caves
20Sept18.
Sorry, May. It is signposted from the road through Waitomo and is easy to find. That apart I agree entirely with all the positive comments that have gone before. Great food and service. Wonderful location. So good, no mark down due to the car park not being completely level.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for taking the time out to review us. We're glad you enjoyed your stay. The carpark isn't 100% level, but for free it's not a bad place to park away from road noise and next to nature!
Leonie
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Whakatane ▷
Whakatane isite Visitor Information Centre
23Sept18.
Very friendly and helpful lady on duty.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
20Sept18.
Brill little walk. Not sure if we saw oysters, prob didn’t know what to look for.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Opotiki ▷
Tauranga Loop Track
24Sept18.
We only did a short bit of the walk. It looked to me like it would be a good walk. The stream was wade-able. The bridge story is interesting and somewhat sad. The picnic area is good and the long drop was clean enough
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waiotapu Thermal track and Mud Pools
22Sept18.
Went there in 2014. Still a hoot. Mesmerising.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground
04May14, 1 night, $44 per night, 2 of us (50's).
As in a previous review, the car park/pitch area does not look so good BUT the geothermic pools and the walk to the hot (boiling hot) spring make it worth the cost.
6 pools with different temperature water, pools drained and refilled daily so no need for added chemicals.
Shower and loos adequate but not special.
Well worth the experience and we will come again.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Campervan Park Auckland Airport
21May14, 1 night, $29 per night - booked online, 2 of us (50's).
Our last night in NZ after 8 weeks there. Booked here as close to hire depot. Not expecting anything other than somewhere safe to park, loos and showers and ability to clean the van. Surely this is the point of the place, it is not a holiday destination in itself.
The only disappointment was no facility to wash the van down other than connecting our own, short, hose up. A cleaning bay with a long hose and brushes would be useful.
7 out of 10 as it mostly met our purposes this trip. Next trip I think we would take the van back earlier and have our last night(s) in a hotel.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Muriwai Beach Campground
20May14, 1 night, $28 per night + 50c for shower, 2 of us (50's).
Friendly guy on reception. Pitch ok but a little cramped as they are not marked out and someone squeezed in between us and the other 'van that was a reasonable distance away.
Facilities a little run down but free wifi in common room.
Would stay again as we like the Beach.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Dargaville Holiday Park
17May14, 1 night, $28 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Matter of fact reception. Pitch ok. Facilities a bit tatty. Shower cubicle has no dry area or stool, just hooks.
Cheap but probably won't visit Dargaville again. If you do, the library has free wifi. Even if it is closed you can stand on the pavement/sidewalk and get it!
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Memorial Park
05May14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
A lovely park with lots of features. Have not seen pay as you go BBQs outside NZ.
Public loo nearby.
Not sure where the campervan spots are meant to be. We were the 3rd van there (max 3 here?) but there were more in the morning.
A bit noisy at night. I suspect local young lads with big engined cars. Boys will be boys.
A good stop over point.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Warkworth ▷
Goat Island Camping & Accommodation
08May14, 1 night, $30 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Really quirky place, this one but we enjoyed it. Lots of bits and pieces decorating the place. Cabins all different shapes.
End of season but looking a bit tired. Previous reviews noting lack of facilities (too few loos etc) are correct but we had the luxury of being only one of two clients the night we were there.
The communal facilities looked like there are good times here in the summer for socially minded people.
We might well come back again if only out of curiosity.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve Carpark
06May14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
Nice location. Supposedly only 4 spaces for s/c campers but others there too.
Nice walk along to Cathedral Cove. Very nice beach and arch/tunnel. Check out the (admittedly long drop) loos. Large picture windows to look out whilst doing the business!
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Ferry Road Carpark Stopover Area
Ok, we didn't stay here BUT we did go into Taupo and see it.
What a bargain! Free, right in town next to the lake and public loos. Will def stay here next time as well as the Top 10.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Kauri Coast TOP 10 Holiday Park
16May14, 1 night, $40 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Good clean facilities. Friendly staff.
Guided Kiwi walk in the forest - $25 each. Good. Saw a Kiwi, eels, crayfish & Te Weka.
Got there in the dark and left earlish so didn't see all the site but it looks good. Would go again unless we try the DoC site up the road.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Whatuwhiwhi TOP 10 Holiday Park
14May14, 2 nights, $42 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Nice quiet campsite. Good, clean facilities. Close to the beach. Big eels in the stream!
Would go again.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay and do hope you visit us again.
Sally Shirkie
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Tapotupotu Campsite
12May14, 1 night, $12 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Ha! We paid but the others that didn't got caught by the DoC Rangers! Serve them right too.
Nice site. 2 long drop ablution blocks and a cold shower facility. I don't know why the day visitors further along had flush toilets. Worth the very short walk for decent loos.
Good beach and walks and not too many flies when we were there.
Gravel road to get there but not too bad.
A good place to stay at the top end.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Waipu ▷
Waipu Cove Cottages
09May14, 1 night, $38 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Paul (?) the owner friendly. Immaculate site. Quiet and sheltered. Access to the beach via their river raft - pull yourself over using the rope. Wet hands a small price to pay.
Would go again
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Taumarunui ▷
Taumarunui Holiday Park
01May14, 1 night, $34 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Owners very friendly and welcoming.
Nice enough site. Facilities a bit basic, "rustic?" but ok.
The downside for us was the road/train noise, otherwise I would have marked it up, and this will probably stop us going there again. Shame.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
02May14, 2 nights, $48 per night, 2 of us (50's).
A bit expensive but staff friendly, quiet site and what drew us back here (we were here in 2006) was the geothermally heated swimming pool. Loved it.
Quite a hike into town but Taupo is another one of our favourite places so we didn't mind.
Will def come again on our next trip.
Thanks for your feedback Mike! Hope to see you again once our second thermally heated pool has been completed!
laketauporesort
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Norfolk Motel and Campervan Park
11May14, 1 night, $40 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Nice lady in reception. Only about 6 'van sites. 2 unisex loos and 2 unisex showers. Clean enough but locked overnight.
Wifi ok in laundry.
Only for stop overs on the way to somewhere.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Orewa Beach Holiday Park
07May14 and 18May14, 2 nights, $40 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Right next to the beach with direct access.
Good facilities.
Very nice young lady on reception who brought my specs back to me after I left them in the loo block; she recognised them as being mine. Thank you, good service much appreciated.
Easy walk into town.
Good enough to go back again on our way back down from Reinga to Auckland. My wife could move there. Will visit again.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Rarawa Beach Campsite
13May14, 1 night, $15 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Nice quiet campsite. Only 2 others there.
1 long drop block and 1 flushable block. How so, I wonder? Why not all flush? Cold shower there too.
Seems like in the middle of nowhere.
Gravel road to get there.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Paihia ▷
Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park
10May14, 1 night, $32 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Nice guy in reception. Good facilities including free wifi.
Got there late and left early-ish so not much to be said.
Would go again.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
27Apr14, 1 night, $48 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Facilities as you expect. Didn't experience noise issues.
One of the more expensive campsites.
Convenient for the peninsula and whale watch tours.
Would stay there again.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Taupata Gravel Yard
22Apr14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
It is what it says it is. No facilities but free. A good stop over to help the budget along.
A bit bumpy on the short track in from the main road.
Good stars, especially if people turn their campers outside lights off!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Murchison ▷
Lyell Campsite
20Apr14, 1 night, $12 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Ignoring the long drop loos and the flies...it was a good site.
The walkway is good. Check out the inscriptions on the headstones in the cemetery, they had a hard life.
A bit of road noise too, some of the lorries going by were a bit noisy.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Pororari River Track Carpark
19Apr14, night, free, 2 of us (50's).
Convenient location for Punakaiki, sloping though. No facilities but the tavern is close and good, friendly too. Good food there.
Another good stop over point.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park
21Apr14, 1 night, $45 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Good, clean facilities and close to town. Nice town and plenty of walking along the shore.
Pitches a little close but hedges between them help.
Will return.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka
13Apr14, 3 nights, $36 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Nice and quiet when we were there. Facilities could do with an update but perfectly adequate.
I loved it there. Had planned 2 nights as my 60th birthday but stayed another as Wanaka is lovely.
Campsite well placed for town, only 10-15 mins walk.
Walk along the lakeside to the west and find the vineyard for a visit.
Paradiso cinema close too, well worth a visit.
Will def go there again. Would move to Wanaka if I could.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill ▷
Moray Terrace
08Apr14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
Lovely large area by the harbour with great views.
Another good stop over point to save some dosh!
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Lowburn Harbour
12Apr14, 1 night, Free, 2 of us (50's).
Large area with flush loos. Right on lake. Quite busy when we were there but still plenty of parking.
Close to road so can be a little noisy.
We used it to stop over and save money. Will use again if in area.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Dunedin Holiday Park
04Apr14, 2 nights, $39 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Perfectly ok. Close to the beach. About a 3 mile walk to town but we are happy to do that. Busses are available!
Male shower had no hot water one night so had to use the other block. Would go back.
Thank you for staying with us on your trip. And, we are sorry that you had no hot shower on one of the night. We have gotten our team see to that doesn't happen again. Glad you enjoyed your stay overall. And, we would love to have you come back. Cheers.
Dunedin Holiday Park
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Wairau Diversion Reserve
28Apr14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
A bit of a gem in some ways. Access is along a longish gravel track, bumpy in places. We parked as close to the ocean end as we could amongst the trees there. Quiet and peaceful. Close to the beach. Dark at night.
A good stop over point in spite of the access track.
Would use again.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Picton Tasman Holiday Parks
24Apr14, 2 nights, $44 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Pitch with own picnic table. Facilities ok. Nice location, handy for town and the walks up to Harbour Lookout.
Friendly cat.
Will stay again.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Port Motueka Beach Reserve
23Apr14, 1 night, $5 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Excellent value. Flush loos and cold outside shower for the brave!
Good walking round the shoreline.
A good stop over place. Will use again.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Omarama ▷
Ahuriri Bridge Campsite
02Apr14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
Large site. Near river, as you would expect! Mostly quiet, just a little road noise. Useful stopping point for our visit to Clay Cliffs next day.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Hutt Valley ▷
Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park
29Apr14, 1 night, $45 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Very good facilities here. Brilliant shower cubicles, the best we saw in 8 weeks in NZ.
Would use again.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mt Taranaki ▷
North Egmont Carparks
30Apr14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
Brilliant. Free, flush loos available, no need to hurry away in the morning, great views, visitor centre, walks.
We love the mountain here.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Campbells Bay
03Apr14, 1 night, $5 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Basic site by cliff edge. Sloping a bit so would be difficult if lots of campers there. Flush loos and cold outside shower. A nice place.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Meatworks Beachfront
26Apr14, 1 night, free, 2 of us (50's).
Hmmm. We managed to find a spot a bit away from all the surfing dudes, not sure whether it was really part of the "site". Long drop loo easily the worst one we found in NZ. So bad even a surfer used a flax bush in preference!
Not really a spot for non surfers so marked down a bit. If it was empty I would have marked it up in spite of the loo.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Hampshire Holiday Park Queenstown
09Apr14, 3 nights, $40 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Very close to town, albeit with a bit of a hill. Close to gondola.
Good facilities; were the adverse reviews in the same park?
Sites were a little close but why send all day on site when you have Queenstown and all it offers so close?
We will def go back there on our next trip.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation
18Apr14, 1 night, $40 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Nice quiet site. Hot showers but few of them. Right next to beach and glow worm dell. Would stay again.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Lake Paringa Campsite
16Apr14, night, $12 per night, 2 of us (50's).
Lovely spot in the trees next to the lake. Great views down by the lakeside. Kea in the trees were a delight. Not too many sandflies when we were there.
Long drop loos not so good. Would give 9 if better.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
31Mar14, 2 nights, $40 per night, 2 of us (50's).
A busy place. Good facilities. Close to the lake, the village and the path up Mount John. Good BBQ area overlooking the lake.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Banks Peninsula ▷
French Farm
29Mar14, 1 night.
Great spot and good facilities.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
South Brighton Holiday Park
27Mar14, Our first 2 nights in NZ.
Friendly staff. Good facilities bearing in mind still getting over the earthquake damage. Nice location. Would go there again.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Methven ▷
Rakaia Gorge Camping Ground
30Mar14, 1 night, 2 of us (50's).
Excellent relaxed vibe here. No power but all facilities good. Great views and close to Gorge walk. Very relaxed on leaving time. Will def stay again on our next trip.